German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke

The German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) is a member of the Leibniz Association. The institute’s mission is to conduct experimental and clinical research in the field of nutrition and health, with the aim of understanding the molecular basis of nutrition-dependent diseases, and of developing new strategies for treatment and prevention.

We invite applications to join the Department of Adipocyte Development and Nutrition (Head: Tim J. Schulz, PhD) for the position of

1 Doctoral Student (m/f/d)

starting as soon as possible.

Project description

Within the framework of a project funded by the Leibniz Association, the successful candidate will investigate the physiological regulation of antibody-producing plasma cells in the context of aging and nutrition-related diseases. Plasma cells are characterized by an active metabolism and high energy requirements due to lifelong high antibody production rates, which entails a unique profile for adequate nutrient supply within the complex and specialized microenvironment of the bone marrow.

In an interdisciplinary research approach and close collaboration with project partners at the Deutsche Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) in Berlin, the spatial architecture of the bone marrow as the hosting niche of long-lived plasma cells will be mapped using modern spatial analysis approaches and molecular biology analyses. The project will investigate to what extent metabolic signals, as well as metabolic health, influence the long-term survival of plasma cells in the bone marrow niche, with the following two focal areas being considered:

• Investigation of aging- and nutrition-related influences on the molecular heterogeneity of bone marrow plasma cells
• Spatially and temporally resolved analysis of bone marrow architecture in relation to the plasma cell niche

Innovative, state-of-the-art methods of spatial biology will be combined with extensive single-cell transcriptomic analyses and the use of transgenic reporter mouse models, which can visualize plasma cells within specific regions of the bone marrow.

Requirements and Skills:

• Excellent M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in the areas biomedical, computational or nutritional sciences
• A background in metabolic research is desirable,
• Experience using flow cytometric approaches (FACS) and/or animal experiments would be beneficial but is not required,
• Experience in evaluating ‘Omics’ data sets, especially transcriptomes or single cell data sets, is advantageous,
• Very high motivation and willingness for interdisciplinary collaboration in a diverse research environment

We offer:

• Intensive scientific support, close collaboration with cooperating institutions and enrolment in a local PhD program
• Excellent technical equipment, a wide range of experimental methods and a dynamic and interactive research environment
• Remuneration according to TV-L, level 13 (65 %), plus annual special payment and company pension scheme
• Family-friendly working conditions (certificate "audit berufundfamilie”)
• Supporting of mobility with a jobticket for using the public transport
• Easy accessibility by public transport or car (including free parking)
• 30 days of vacation
• Participation in the benefits program for employees ("Corporate Benefits")

The advertised position is available for 3 years.

We promote the employment of people with severe disabilities and are committed to equal opportunities for them. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

We look forward to your application!

Please send your documents (cover letter explaining your motivation, CV, copies of degrees/certificates and references) with reference number 2026_W02_L as a single pdf-file before March 15th, 2026 via e-mail to jobs(at)dife.de.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact:

Prof. Dr. Tim Schulz

We process your application documents for the purpose of carrying out the application procedure in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR, Art. 88 GDPR. For more information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by the German Institute of Human Nutrition as part of the application process and your rights under data protection law, please contact the Department of Human Resources and Social Services (jobs(at)dife.de).